Main Entry: breech

Pronunciation: \ˈbrēch\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, breeches, from Old English brēc, plural of brōc leg covering; akin to Old High German bruoh breeches, Latin braca pants

Date: before 12th century

1 plural \ˈbri-chəz also ˈbrē-\ a : short pants covering the hips and thighs and fitting snugly at the lower edges at or just below the knee b : pants
2 a : the hind end of the body : buttocks b : breech presentation; also : a fetus that is presented breech first
3 : the part of a firearm at the rear of the barrel